A Degree in Geosciences for Military & Veterans

Bachelor’s Degree in Geosciences / Earth Science

Geoscientists gather, interpret, and apply knowledge about the Earth from its core to its oceans and atmosphere. Geoscientists seek to improve our understanding from the smallest atomic level to the vastness of planetary systems.

A Bachelor’s in Geosciences provides students with a fundamental understanding of geosciences, including:

• basic structure of the Earth
• major events in the evolution of life on Earth
• plate tectonics
• formation and importance of Earth’s natural resources
• processes that shape and change our planet
• linkages between humans and the physical environment

Jobs with a Bachelor’s in Geosciences

• Conservation Worker - This position typically works for state and local governments or on privately owned lands. It measures and improves the quality of forests. The Median Annual Salary is $31,000.
• Hydrologic Technician - Support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources. Median Annual Salary: $51,000.
• Urban Planner- Develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities. Median Annual Salary: $79,000.
• Geological Engineer-Design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals for use in manufacturing and utilities. Median Annual Salary: $97,000.

Master’s Degree in Geosciences / Earth Science

With a Master’s in Geosciences, students will better understand Earth's interior and its connection to surface processes. This includes geodynamics, seismology, tectonics, geomagnetism, and volcanism. In graduate degree programs, students are also taught to communicate both orally and in writing effectively.

A Master’s in Geosciences will offer several areas of specialization, including:

• Petrology
• Volcanology
• Geology
• Geochemistry
• Hydrology
• Soil Science
• Climate Change
• Petroleum Geology
• Paleontology

Jobs with a Master’s in Geosciences

• Postsecondary Teacher - Instruct students in Geoscience courses beyond the high school level. Median Annual Salary: $80,000.
• Geoscientist - Study the physical aspects of the Earth. Most geoscientists split their time between working in offices, laboratories, and working outdoors. Median Annual Salary: $84,000.
• Petroleum Engineer - Design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface. Median Annual Salary: $131,000.

PhD in Geosciences

Become an expert in the field! Available fields for PhD research are niche and varied. Some of the more popular fields of research and publication include:

• Biogeochemistry
• Climate dynamics
• Dendrochronology
• Geoarchaeology
• Geochemistry
• Geochronology
• Geomorphology
• Geophysics
• Mineral resources
• Mineralogy
• Palynology
• Paleontology
• Petrology
• Sedimentology
• Stratigraphy
• Tectonics

Is a Geosciences Degree worth it?

Students who use their educational entitlements, such as the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon program, etc., may be able to earn their degree fully funded. This degree may be an excellent choice if you are looking for a career with various job opportunities.

GI Bill®-approved Schools with a Degree in Geosciences

Ready to start your Certificate or Degree in Sociology? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:  

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Tech offers a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and a PhD in Geosciences. Virginia Tech offers credit for military experience and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Virginia Tech is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance

University of Nevada Las Vegas

Offers a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Geoscience. It has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. UNLV is a MyCAA-approved school and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. It is a Yellow Ribbon school.

University of Arizona

Offers Geosciences Degrees, including a Master's, a Ph.D., and several Bachelor’s in Geosciences, including concentrations in Geophysics, Earth, Ocean, and Climate, and Geology. The University of Arizona is a GI Bill-approved school, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. It is also a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

University of Colorado Boulder

Offers a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Geological Sciences. It offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. University of Colorado Boulder is a MyCAA-approved school and participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

*All statistics and calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information, click here.

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